𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐃𝐄; boysnextdoor

florist ; jaehyun

Y/N tied the strings of her apron tightly around her waist, her hands trembling slightly. Her floral shop tucked inside the grand lobby of the Myung Hotel had become her sanctuary, a small oasis of colors and fragrances amidst the storm of her life. Every petal she touched, every bouquet she arranged, was her way of piecing together the fragments of herself that had been shattered over years of an abusive marriage.

Her daughter, Hana, was the only reason she endured. The little girl's laughter was Y/N's anchor, a reminder that not everything in her life was dark. Her husband, though, was the shadow that loomed over their every step. His words were sharp, his fists sharper. Yet, Y/N refused to give up. She worked tirelessly, hoping to save enough to leave him one day and give Hana the life she deserved.

It was during one of her busiest mornings at the shop that Jaehyun Myung entered her world.

The man was a vision of confidence as he strolled into the hotel lobby, his tailored suit accentuating his tall frame and composed demeanor. Jaehyun Myung wasn't just her boss—he was the CEO of the hotel chain. Y/N had only seen him in passing before, usually from afar during his brief visits to the hotel. He carried an air of authority, but there was something kind in his eyes that set him apart from the wealthy, untouchable figures she'd encountered in life.

"Good morning," he greeted, his voice smooth but firm.

Y/N froze for a moment, her hands hovering over the roses she'd been arranging. She quickly regained her composure, bowing politely. "Good morning, sir. How can I help you?"

"I've heard a lot about your work," he said, glancing around at the bouquets displayed neatly in the shop. "Your arrangements add something special to this place. I wanted to see them for myself."

Her cheeks flushed at the unexpected compliment. "Thank you, sir. That means a lot."

Jaehyun's gaze softened. "Do you have a favorite flower?"

The question caught her off guard. No one had asked her that in years. She hesitated before answering, "Sunflowers. They always seem to find the light, no matter how dark it gets."

He smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "That's a good choice."

From that day on, Jaehyun started stopping by the flower shop more frequently. At first, it was for small purchases—bouquets for meetings or decorations for events. But soon, his visits became more personal. He'd ask about her favorite arrangements, share stories about his travels, and even offer gentle advice when he saw her struggling with something.

Y/N found herself looking forward to his visits. Jaehyun had a way of making her feel seen, truly seen, in a way no one had before. She caught herself smiling more, her laughter coming a little easier. For the first time in years, she felt like a person rather than a shadow.

One evening, as Y/N was closing the shop, Jaehyun approached her with an unusual request.

"Would you join me for dinner?" he asked, his tone hesitant but hopeful.

Y/N blinked in surprise. "Dinner?"

"It's nothing formal," he clarified quickly. "Just... I've noticed you seem tired lately. I thought it might be nice for you to take a break. My treat."

Her first instinct was to say no. She wasn't used to kindness, especially from men. But something in Jaehyun's eyes told her this wasn't a mere act of charity or pity. He genuinely cared.

"Okay," she said softly.

Dinner with Jaehyun was unlike anything she'd experienced. They dined at a cozy restaurant away from the bustling city, and he made her feel at ease with his warm conversation and gentle humor. She found herself opening up to him, sharing pieces of her life she'd long kept hidden.

"I admire your strength," he said at one point, his voice filled with sincerity.

Y/N looked down, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I don't feel strong most days."

"You are," he insisted. "You've endured so much, and yet here you are, building a future for your daughter. That takes courage."

The weeks that followed were a whirlwind of emotions. Jaehyun became a constant presence in Y/N's life, offering her support and encouragement in ways she never thought she deserved. She found herself falling for him, despite the walls she'd built around her heart. But guilt gnawed at her.

"I'm still married," she admitted one evening as they walked through a park after work. "I know he's terrible, but... it feels wrong to think about someone else."

Jaehyun stopped walking, turning to face her. "Y/N, you don't owe loyalty to someone who hurts you. You deserve happiness, love, and respect. And if leaving him feels impossible right now, I'll wait. I'll be here for you, no matter what."

Tears streamed down her face as his words sank in. For the first time, she felt hope—a glimmer of a future where she and Hana could be free from fear.

It wasn't easy. Her husband grew suspicious of her changing demeanor and lashed out more violently. But with Jaehyun's support, Y/N found the courage to take the first steps toward freedom. She consulted a lawyer, began saving more aggressively, and started documenting the abuse.

One fateful night, after her husband's anger escalated to the point where Hana was nearly hurt, Y/N knew she couldn't stay any longer. With trembling hands, she packed a small bag for her and her daughter and fled to the only place she felt safe: Jaehyun's hotel.

When she arrived at his office, disheveled and tear-streaked, Jaehyun didn't hesitate. He wrapped her in his arms, murmuring reassurances as Hana clung to her mother.

"You're safe now," he promised. "I'll make sure of it."

True to his word, Jaehyun helped Y/N secure a restraining order against her husband and find a temporary apartment for her and Hana. He never pressured her, giving her the space and time she needed to heal.

As the months passed, Y/N slowly began to rebuild her life. With Jaehyun's encouragement, she expanded her floral business and even started taking evening classes to further her skills. Her daughter thrived in the new environment, her laughter filling their small home.

And through it all, Jaehyun remained by her side, his unwavering support and quiet love a constant source of strength.

One evening, as they stood on the balcony of his penthouse, watching the city lights twinkle below, Y/N turned to him with tears in her eyes.

"I never thought I'd find someone like you," she whispered. "Thank you for everything."

Jaehyun cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "You deserve the world, Y/N. And I'll spend the rest of my life showing you that."

As their lips met in a tender kiss, Y/N felt a sense of peace she'd never known before. For the first time, her heart was full—not of fear or pain, but of love and hope for the future.